Health News
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
Perhaps you?ve heard the recent media outcry that First Lady Michelle Obama ate a hamburger, fries, and a shake. Could this be the same First Lady who has an organic garden, eats her fruits and veggies, and advocates for healthy portions? The same First Lady who is physically active herself (check out those sculpted arms!), and encourages the nation to move more? So, what?s the story here?
I think this is just great ? and an important lesson in moderation. While the food police find this shocking, I see it as an excellent example of what I call a ?controlled indulgence.? Some treat foods, on occasion, are always fun and not off limits. It?s a good way to remove the thinking of ?good? and ?bad? foods.
My motto has always been ?no bad foods, just bad portions.? And I stick to this. I don?t find any conflicting messages in Mrs. Obama?s digging in to a burger, fries, and a shake. It?s the summertime, and she?s having some fun with food. It?s not everyday ? and it?s not a big deal. In fact, to me she represents the ideal kind eater. Free of deprivation, Mrs. Obama can indulge without guilt, enjoy her splurge now and then, and return to her healthy eating patterns.
I wish more people would get out of the mindset of ?good? and ?bad? foods. Being a ?healthy? eater doesn?t mean every mouthful needs to be packed with nutrients, and devoid of treats. Healthy eating is a lifestyle ? and moderation (and occasional indulgences) provides a mindset that can be sustained for the long term.
- Children 8-12 Can Submit A Healthy Lunch Recipe By April 5 To Get Chance For Trip To Kids' 'state Dinner' At White House
First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with the Education and Agriculture departments to run a nationwide recipe contest to promote cooking and healthy eating by young people. "Teaching kids to cook is a great way to ensure our children learn healthy...
- Do You Have ?eaters Remorse??
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromYou might be surprised to hear that the day after Thanksgiving can be a big barrier for many people when it comes to sticking with a healthy lifestyle over the holidays. This is the day most people make the decision to indulge...
- Paula Deen?s New Advice
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom While the Food Network?s Paula Deen has been a controversial figure in the worlds of both food and health (remember my blog on Obesity and Chefs?), I want to share an interesting interview with her that aired on national TV in...
- Enjoy Your Holiday Eating!
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom With a big holiday weekend coming up ? spanning both Easter and Passover ? many of us are anticipating family time that includes all kinds of special holiday foods. I think it?s time we all started to look forward to holiday...
- Eating Outside Your ?comfort Zone?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Many of us are walking encyclopedias of food information, but we still tend to return to the same foods over and over again, week after week. While structured eating is healthful, and having some reliable, go-to foods can help...
Health News
Michelle Obama, Burgers, and Fries
by Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom
I think this is just great ? and an important lesson in moderation. While the food police find this shocking, I see it as an excellent example of what I call a ?controlled indulgence.? Some treat foods, on occasion, are always fun and not off limits. It?s a good way to remove the thinking of ?good? and ?bad? foods.
My motto has always been ?no bad foods, just bad portions.? And I stick to this. I don?t find any conflicting messages in Mrs. Obama?s digging in to a burger, fries, and a shake. It?s the summertime, and she?s having some fun with food. It?s not everyday ? and it?s not a big deal. In fact, to me she represents the ideal kind eater. Free of deprivation, Mrs. Obama can indulge without guilt, enjoy her splurge now and then, and return to her healthy eating patterns.
I wish more people would get out of the mindset of ?good? and ?bad? foods. Being a ?healthy? eater doesn?t mean every mouthful needs to be packed with nutrients, and devoid of treats. Healthy eating is a lifestyle ? and moderation (and occasional indulgences) provides a mindset that can be sustained for the long term.
- Children 8-12 Can Submit A Healthy Lunch Recipe By April 5 To Get Chance For Trip To Kids' 'state Dinner' At White House
First Lady Michelle Obama is again teaming up with the Education and Agriculture departments to run a nationwide recipe contest to promote cooking and healthy eating by young people. "Teaching kids to cook is a great way to ensure our children learn healthy...
- Do You Have ?eaters Remorse??
By Dr. Madelyn FernstromYou might be surprised to hear that the day after Thanksgiving can be a big barrier for many people when it comes to sticking with a healthy lifestyle over the holidays. This is the day most people make the decision to indulge...
- Paula Deen?s New Advice
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom While the Food Network?s Paula Deen has been a controversial figure in the worlds of both food and health (remember my blog on Obesity and Chefs?), I want to share an interesting interview with her that aired on national TV in...
- Enjoy Your Holiday Eating!
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom With a big holiday weekend coming up ? spanning both Easter and Passover ? many of us are anticipating family time that includes all kinds of special holiday foods. I think it?s time we all started to look forward to holiday...
- Eating Outside Your ?comfort Zone?
By Dr. Madelyn Fernstrom Many of us are walking encyclopedias of food information, but we still tend to return to the same foods over and over again, week after week. While structured eating is healthful, and having some reliable, go-to foods can help...